A taxi company director has been disqualified from driving for more than a year after he tested positive for cannabis when stopped on the M23 in Crawley.

Edward Lawford was initially stopped in his Volkswagen Sheran by Sussex Police officers after being seen using his mobile phone while driving on May 8.

The 46-year-old tested positive for cannabis following a roadside drug test, but failed to provide a specimen for analysis when required in custody.

Lawford, of Bedford Road, Little Houghton, Northamptonshire, was subsequently charged with failing to provide a specimen of blood for analysis, using a mobile phone while driving and possession of cannabis.

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He appeared at Horsham Magistrates’ Court on September 26 and was disqualified from driving for 18 months, fined £1,300, and ordered to pay £620 costs and a £110 victim surcharge.

PC Jon Bennion-Jones, of the Arundel Roads Policing Unit, said: “Failing to provide a sample is an offence in its own right, however the outcome is the same as being over the drink or drug-driving limit; you will lose your licence.

“Since the introduction of roadside tests, we are detecting and prosecuting more drug-driving offences now than ever before. If you drive in Sussex while over the limit, expect to be stopped and expect to be tested.

“We will not tolerate drink or drug-driving on our roads. It is among the top four causes of death and serious injuries on our roads, along with using a mobile phone, speeding and failing to wear a seatbelt, and we will continue to target those we suspect of committing such offences.”